Q: Tell us about your background and how you became interested in energy?
A: Growing up in the southern part of India, in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, I experienced first-hand the challenges of limited access to clean energy during my schooling years. The village where I lived relied heavily on traditional energy sources such as wood and charcoal, which had detrimental impacts on both the environment and health of the villagers.

However, a government initiative brought a glimmer of hope to our community. The introduction of biogas derived from animal waste and solar-powered stoves revolutionised our energy system, providing a sustainable and clean alternative. This initiative not only improved energy accessibility in a village with minimal infrastructure but also inspired me to pursue a career in the field of chemical engineering.

Witnessing the transformative power of renewable energy at a young age, my aim has always been to contribute to the development of a greener and more sustainable future, where clean energy is readily available for all.

Q: How did you hear about the Energy Institute?
A: I first learned about the Energy Institute and its HSE and process safety publications through my professional network and industry conferences. The Energy Institute’s commitment to advancing safety standards and best practices resonated with me and inspired me to integrate its excellent tools into my work.

One of the key tools I have adopted is the Hearts and Minds safety culture toolkit. This toolkit has empowered the people I work with to foster a proactive safety mindset for maintaining high safety standards for the well-being of all stakeholders.

My involvement with the Energy Institute has been a transformative experience, driving me to continually strive for excellence in HSE and process safety.

Q: How did you become involved in the Energy Institute's Executive Leadership in Energy Programme?
A: I first heard about the Executive Leadership in Energy Programme from Mandar Phadke, the former Vice President of HSSEQ (Health, Safety, Security, Environmental and Quality) at Topsoe. As a professional in the energy sector, I was eager to enhance my leadership skills and broaden my knowledge in this field.

What stood out to me was the opportunity to learn from industry leaders and experts who share my passion for driving positive change in the energy sector and promoting sustainable energy solutions.

It empowered me to lead health and safety and sustainability initiatives with greater confidence.

Being a participant in the Executive Leadership in Energy Programme has significantly broadened my perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the energy sector, as well as giving me a valuable platform to exchange ideas, collaborating on innovative solutions and forging lasting professional relationships.

Q: Tell us about your current job and how your work is contributing towards the energy transition?
A: In my current role, I serve as a Business Partner for HSSE. I work towards the goal of a just transition to net zero by addressing HSSE challenges and ensuring the safety and sustainability of our technologies. It is rewarding to work on projects that have a positive impact on the environment and help in the transition to a more sustainable future.

However, there are also challenges. Managing different internal stakeholders and balancing their priorities can be complex at times. Additionally, staying up to date with evolving HSSE regulations and best practices requires continuous learning and adaptation.

Q: Can you give an example of a HSSE challenge you have resolved with the benefit of the EI Hearts and Minds toolkit or training programmes?
A: As part of project execution teams, I have faced significant challenges educating personnel about HSSE practices at various stages of projects, including construction, commissioning and operations. To address this, I leveraged resources from the EI toolkit and training programmes to drive a transformative HSE initiative. In this way, I was able to raise awareness among team members about high-risk situations and the protocols that need to be followed. This proactive approach not only enhanced our safety culture but also empowered personnel to take ownership of their safety responsibilities, leading to incident-free operations.

Q: How has being an AMEI benefitted you in your career?
A: I have been utilising the EI’s HSE and process safety resources for several years, and the knowledge gained from these has been instrumental in my professional growth. The comprehensive materials and guidelines provided by the Energy Institute have helped me deepen my understanding of best practices in health, safety and environmental management, as well as process safety.

Q: Going forwards, what is your ambition?
A: My ambition is to deepen my knowledge and to promote innovative solutions in the field of sustainability.

As one of the fastest-growing economies, India is actively investing in renewable energy resources such as solar, wind and bioenergy, aiming to significantly reduce its carbon footprint. Furthermore, as countries round the world recognise the need to transition to cleaner energy systems, I see immense potential for professionals in the energy sector to lead transformative initiatives that address climate change, enhance energy efficiency and promote sustainable development.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are strictly those of the author only and are not necessarily given or endorsed by or on behalf of the Energy Institute.

If you’re keen to follow in Sandeep’s footsteps, click here to find more about how to become an Associate Member of the Energy Institute (AMEI).